Severe Weather Awareness Week Kicks Off With Signs Of Wintry Mix

Snow in the forecast Wednesday is a reminder that bad weather can hit North Carolina at any time. This is severe weather awareness week across the state and officials are urging the public to be prepared. Meteorologist Nick Petro says a statewide tornado drill will take place Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service in Raleigh says much of central and western North Carolina are under a hazardous weather outlook for Wednesday.

Credit National Weather Service / noaa.gov

"The best shelter for tornados is an interior room on the lowest floor. A basement's a great idea, but if you don't have a basement an interior room such as a hallway, bathroom, closet, a room that doesn't have any windows," Petro said from the National Weather Service in Raleigh.

"You want to put as many walls between you and the outside. And then when you do seek that shelter, get down, cover your head, protect yourself from flying debris."

Petro says other dangers include, floods, heat and hurricanes. He says its important to have an emergency kit stocked with things like non-perishable food, water, flashlights and batteries as well as a family communication plan.